That future is edging closer to reality through the work of multiple laboratories at Oregon State University, which earlier this year was named one of several academic partners in the federal Energy Frontier Research Center, a $777-million initiative to create breakthrough technologies for a 21st-century energy economy.  Conquering the various obstacles that stand between current science and a hydrogen-powered future is no small challenge, but OSU researchers have charted a long and growing list of important advances in this area and are partnering with top scientists elsewhere on the leading edge of this field.

Scientist Roger Ely will speak to this topic on Sept. 14 at Science Pub Corvallis, held from 6 to 8 p.m. at Old World Deli, 341 S.W. Second St., Corvallis. Ely is among OSU’s leaders in the development of hydrogen power. An associate professor of biological and ecological engineering, he holds three degrees from OSU and is a former faculty member at Yale and the University of Idaho. His work is funded by, among others, the National Science Foundation and the U.S. Dept. of Energy, and has resulted in dozens of professional presentations and peer-reviewed publications. His presentation will focus not only on hydrogen power, but will include an eye-opening overview of the magnitude of the energy challenges we collectively face.

Science Pub Corvallis is free and open to the public. Audience members are encouraged to come early to find a seat and grab some dinner.
For more information, see http://www.omsi.edu/sciencepubcorvallis or join the Science Pub Corvallis Facebook group.

Emily Ho, associate professor of Health and Human Science, at the last Science Pub Corvallis.

But in this era of marketing buzzwords and hype, how can we ensure that the plants and produce we’re buying really are organic? What requirements must growers meet to earn the organic, sustainable or green labels? What should you, as a consumer, look for in judging what to buy, whether at a farmer’s market or at the local grocery store?

OSU Soil Science Instructor and Organic Growers Club advisor James Cassidy promises to “dish the dirt” on what’s essential for a healthy underground. And as an added bonus, he’ll talk about “Hoo Ha,” the Organic Growers Club’s food and music extravaganza – a wildly popular annual event!

Joining in the presentation will be Professor Anita Azarenko, head of the OSU Department of Horticulture, and a longtime advocate for sustainable and organic growing practices. She teaches and conducts research on integrated and organic tree fruit farming systems, especially orchard floor management systems, and is a small farmer who grows organic fruit and hazelnuts for local markets in the Willamette Valley.

Kathy Gunter, a researcher in OSU’s Center for Healthy Aging Research and an assistant professor in Health and Human Sciences, speaks at the April 13 Science Pub Corvallis. (photos: Theresa Hogue)

Science Pub is intended to take science out of the laboratory and into the community with informal presentations in a fun, relaxed atmosphere. It is sponsored by OSU, the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry and the Downtown Corvallis Association.

“Science Pub Corvallis” takes place beginning at 6 p.m. May 11, at Old World Deli, 341 S.W. Second St. Information: www.omsi.edu/sciencepubcorvallis or 754-6624.

Jeff Klawson of fermentation science explains the intricacies of beer during the first Science Pub Corvallis held in March at Old World Deli. The event drew a standing-room only crowd. (photo: Theresa Hogue)

This month’s topic is “Eat Smart, Get Active, Age Well,” and features OSU’s own Kathy Gunter and Emily Ho.
If you want to age healthfully, eating right and exercising are half the battle for prevention and management of the chronic diseases that often come with getting older. Despite popular perceptions that the science is “always changing” regarding what foods and activities promote good health, the truth is the body of scientific evidence points convincingly toward multiple steps that most people can take with solid expectations for success.

Kathy Gunter, a researcher in OSU’s Center for Health Aging Research and an assistant professor in Health and Human Sciences will focus on exercise as medicine. Gunter’s NIH-backed research has documented health benefits of some remarkably simple exercises, including physical activity that can help slow the loss of bone mass in older adults.

Emily Ho, a principal investigator at Oregon State University’s Linus Pauling Institute and an associate professor in the College of Health and Human Sciences, will share practical tips on good food choices for disease prevention, including what foods have strong cancer-fighting properties. Her work has included studies of green tea and soy, as well as broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables, and has been sponsored by the National Institutes of Health’s National Cancer Institute.

Learn about cutting-edge topics in science and technology from leading researchers and scientists, all while enjoying food and drinks. Don’t expect a remote speaker behind a distant podium. Instead, experience an informal atmosphere where you can interact with experts and where there are no silly questions.

No scientific background is required; just bring your curiosity, sense of humor, and appetite for food, drinks, and knowledge. Science Pub is open to anyone and everyone, no admission fee or RSVP required. The first Science Pub Corvallis was standing-room only, so come early in order to get a seat, and make sure to get dinner and a drink before the discussion begins.

For more information or to sign up for our mailing list, please contact sciencepub@omsi.edu. You can also join the Science Pub Corvallis Facebook group or call 503-797-4517.

Science Pub Corvallis begins at 6 p.m. April 13 at Old World Deli, 341 S.W. Second St., Corvallis.

~ Todd Simmons